Later Mughals v1.c9.s31: Section 33.—Return of Muhammad Amin Khan from Malwa.
Later Mughals v1.c9.s31
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Section 33.—Return of Muhammad Amin Khan from Malwa.
v1.c9.s31.1
Muhammad Amin Khan who had, as we have seen, deserted the post of danger in Malwa, now arrived near the city. In the preceding year he had received orders to clear the Malwa province from an incursion of the Mahrattas, but owing to the delay he made, for objects of his own, he fell under the imperial displeasure, was removed from the office of Second Bakhshi, and exiled from Court as permanent governor of Malwa. From that time he had been employed in his new province. In the interval Farrukh-siyar, pursuing his endeavours to destroy the Sayyids, had recourse first to Itiqad Khan and then to Sarbuland Khan. Despairing of them, he turned next to Ajit Singh, who went over at once to the opposite side. Nizam-ul-mulk was next appealed to. Seeing clearly the Emperor's want of firmness, he declined to undertake the business himself, but continued to favour the idea and to give advice. Some say that on his suggestion his cousin, Muhammad Amin Khan, was recalled. No doubt, if Nizam-ul-mulk and Muhammad Amin Khan, could have believed in the truth of the promises made to them, and had been properly supported, in all probability the two Sayyids would have been uprooted easily enough. But Farrukh-siyar was a prey to unreasoning terrors, and he could never come to any firm resolve. [M. M. 433.]
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When the rumours of Husain Ali Khan's intended return to Court were confirmed, Muhammad Amin Khan knew not what course to adopt. His force was not strong enough to enable him to throw himself across the Nawab's route and block his way. To openly evade a meeting would leave an indelible stain on his reputation for courage. Luckily, the order came for his return to Court and he set out at once.* In the meantime Farrukh-siyar came to the conclusion that he could never oust the Sayyids, and seeing no other way of escape tried to make friends with them. By this time Muhammad Amin Khan had marched back as far as Agra. Qutb-ul-mulk thereupon remarked that as His Majesty had no longer any distrust of him, why or wherefore had he recalled Muhammad Amin Khan? Farrukh-siyar, frightened that there would be trouble, sent off urgent orders to Muhammad Amin Khan directing his return to Malwa. As this order did not suit that noble's plans he disobeyed it, and leaving his baggage in Agra, he made forced marches towards Dihli. On the 20th Safar (11th January, 1719) he was at Barahpula, a few miles to the south of the city.
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On learning of Muhammad Amin Khan's arrival, Qutb-ul-mulk said to His Majesty: "It seems that the servants of the State have made disobedience of orders a habit. To such an extent is this the case that, in spite of renewed orders to retrace his steps, Muhammad Amin Khan has not discontinued his advance to the capital." Farrukh-siyar was put out at this complaint, and answered: "Have you any one you can send to turn him back?" The Wazir then sent Rajah Ratan Chand to persuade Muhammad Amin to return to his Government under pain of the imperial displeasure. Muhammad Amin Khan used strong language, even in the Rajah's presence, and utterly refused to obey. The Rajah reported this state of things to the minister. Qutb-ul-mulk, with much heat, repeated the matter to the Emperor, and caused him to become angry. Muhammad Amin Khan was deprived of his rank (*mansab*), and his revenue assignments (*jagirs*) were attached. Qutb-ul-mulk considered that the stars in their courses were fighting for him, when the Emperor had been estranged from such a high-placed and valiant noble. Forthwith he set to work to make his own peace with Muhammad Amin, and in two or three days obtained from the Emperor permission for him to enter the city, sending out his own brother Najm-ud-din Ali Khan, and Zafar Khan to escort him to his home. This took place on the 29th Safar (20th January). The incident turned Muhammad Amin Khan's heart from Farrukh-siyar, and made him friendly to the cause of the Sayyids, at least to the extent of securing his neutrality.
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∗ Khafi Khan, 802, on the other hand, asserts that he left Malwa without orders and without permission.
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At this point a few other changes may be noted. As a consequence of Muhammad Amin Khan's loss of favour, the office of paymaster to the *Ahadis* was taken from his son, Qamr-ud-din Khan, and given to Zafar Khan Turra-i-baz on the 1st Rabi I. 1131 H. (21st January, 1719). Then, Inayatullah Khan, with whom Qutb-ul-mulk was displeased for his refusal to bow before the authority of Rajah Ratan Chand, lost his appointment of *diwan*. But as Farrukh-siyar believed in this man's honesty, he was not kept altogether out of employ, but transferred to the post of *Khan-saman*, or Lord Steward, on the 3rd Rabi I. 1131 H. (23rd January, 1719). The diwanship of the *Tan* (assigned revenues) was made over to Rajah Bakht Mal, a protégé of Muhammad Yar Khan; as for the Exchequer or *Khalsa*, Qutb-ul-mulk was told to carry on the duties till someone else was nominated, 4th Rabi I. 1131 H. (24th January, 1719). [M. M. 443.]